A state appellate court panel rejected an appeal from a former health care assistant convicted of sex-related charges involving two special education students at a Los Angeles high school.

The three-justice panel from California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal on Monday turned down the defense’s contention that there was insufficient evidence to support Oscar Enrique Santos’ conviction on charges involving one of the Garfield High School students, who used a wheelchair.

Santos was convicted of 21 felony charges, including oral copulation of an incompetent person and sexual battery by restraint, involving two girls who were 16 and 17 at the time.

The crimes occurred between classes in an on-campus elevator, authorities said.

Santos was assigned to help a male student in a wheelchair at the school.